Emory University School of Medicine

Allied Health Professions 1997-1999

Radiologic Technology

Emory University Hospital, BG07
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 712-5005
fax (404) 712-7630

Program Director D. Moore, M.M.Sc., R.T. (R)

Professors R. Colvin, M.D., P. Sprawls, Jr., Ph.D.

Assistant Professors D. Moore, M.M.Sc., R.T. (R), J. Peterson, Ph.D., R.T. (N)

Instructors C. Bosso, B.S., R.T. (R), B. Peck, M.B.A., R.T. (R), W. Undie, M.Ed., R.T. (R)(T)

Instructors (Clinical) S. Griffin, R.T. (R), A. James, A.M.Sc., R.T. (R), A. Johnson, R.T. (R), D. Kinslow, R.T. (R), T. Ryan, R.T. (R), V. Von Allmen, M.P.H., R.T. (R), V. White, A.M.Sc., R.T. (R)

Programs

The Emory School of Medicine's Department of Radiology, in cooperation with the medical school's affiliated hospitals, offers a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology approved program leading to an associate in medical science degree in radiologic technology. Students satisfactorily completing the program fulfill requirements for certification set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60606-2901, 312-704-5300.

The department also offers a bachelor of medical science degree program in medical imaging technology. This program prepares the graduate for entry-level positions as radiologic science educators.

Elective courses for specialization in cardiovascular, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuro and general vascular technology are offered. These courses may be selected by registered radiologic technologists for additional advanced-level course work and clinical experience.

Information on applying for admission to these programs may be obtained by writing to Dawn C. Moore, Programs in Radiologic Technology, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 or by calling 404-712-5005.

ASSOCIATE IN MEDICAL SCIENCE DEGREE

Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied for admission:

  1. High school diploma or equivalency examination.

  2. Approval of admission by the admissions committee.

  3. Satisfactory scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test of the College Entrance Examination Board.

Technical Standards

Students enrolled in the associate of medical science program in radiologic technology must possess the physical, mental, and emotional skills indicated below:

I. The student must have sufficient strength, motor coordination, and manual dexterity to:

A. Transport, move, lift, and transfer patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to an x-ray table or patient bed.

B. Move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment, including the physical transportation of mobile radiographic machines, in order to arrange and align the equipment with respect to the patient and the image receptor according to established procedure and standards of speed and accuracy.

II. The student must be capable of:

A. Handling stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.

B. Providing physical and emotional support to the patient during the radiographic procedures, being able to respond to situations requiring first aid, and providing emergency care to the patient in the absence of or until the arrival of a physician.

C. Communicating verbally in an effective manner with patients and personnel.

D. Reading and interpreting patient charts and requisitions for radiographic examinations.

III. The student must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:

A. Calculate and select proper technical exposure factors according to the individual needs of the patient and the requirements of the procedure's standards of speed and accuracy.

B. Review and evaluate the recorded images on radiographs for the purpose of identifying proper patient positioning, accurate procedural sequencing, proper radiographic exposure, and other appropriate and pertinent technical qualities.

The director of the program of radiologic technology welcomes questions or inquiries from individuals with disabilities regarding the standards and their application to each individual's unique situation. In each case, a determination will be made as to whether the individual is qualified for admission to the program and if reasonable accommodations can be made. While the program of radiologic technology is prohibited by federal law from making inquiries about specific disabilities prior to admission, applicants who are selected for admission must be prepared to meet the performance standards in order to complete the program.

CONTINUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student's continued enrollment at Emory University is subject to the decision by the dean and other designated officers that academic grades are satisfactory, that rules of the university are being complied with, and that the best interests of the school and other students are being served. The program director and faculty may, at their discretion and irrespective of grades, declare probationary status for any student who, in their opinion, is not properly utilizing time and talents.

At the end of any grading period, a student whose cumulative average is less than prescribed for the program of study will incur academic probation. At the end of any grading period, a student whose cumulative or senior GPA is less than 2.0 will incur academic probation. A student who fails in any semester to pass two-thirds of the hours taken or to attain at least a 1.5 GPA will be placed on probation regardless of previous averages. Clinical education grades will not be considered in the cumulative average if probation or exclusion is imminent. Students on probation will be expected to concentrate their energies on studies in order to bring their work up to the required standard.

Any student who fails for two successive semesters of full-time work to pass two-thirds of the semester hours taken or who fails to attain at least a 1.5 GPA shall be automatically excluded regardless of previous averages. A student excluded under this rule will not be eligible to apply for readmission for the next regular semester. A petition for readmission for any subsequent semester will be acted upon by the program's progress and promotion committee and by the admissions committee.

Degree Requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied to earn the A.M.Sc. degree:

  1. Minimum residency of three semesters.

  2. Satisfactory completion of sequential required course work.

  3. Satisfactory completion of clinical education.

  4. Satisfactory completion of ninety-three semester hours of required undergraduate course work.

REQUIRED COURSES

200. Introduction to Radiologic Technology
Fall. Credit, one hour.
Principles and practices of radiology. The function of registered radiologic technologists and their relationship with the medical health team. Orientation to the hospital and hospital responsibility to the community. One one-hour lecture per week.

203a, b, c. Physical Principles of Imaging
Fall, spring, summer. Credit, six hours total.
Prerequisites: 203a prior to 203b prior to 203c.
Fundamentals of X-ray physics and its application to radiology. Includes rudiments of basic physics and elementary principles of electricity and magnetism required for understanding production and absorption of X-rays.

204. Introduction to Radiation Safety
Fall. Credit, one hour.
Radiation protection, personnel monitoring, radiation shielding, patient protection, and emergency procedures. Emphasis on use of X-rays in diagnostic radiology.

214. Medical Ethics
Fall. Credit, one hour.
Basic needs of the patient and empathy for the patient; interpersonal relationships with patients, peers, physicians, and other health team personnel. Confidentiality and medical-legal considerations, including professional liability, patient records, radiographic interpretations, and professional guidelines. One one-hour lecture per week.

220. Medical Terminology
Fall. Credit, one hour.
This course introduces the student to medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on terminology pertinent to radiology.

221a, b, c. Anatomy and Physiology
Fall, spring, and fall. Credit, three hours each.
Anatomy for the paramedical scientist with no training in the field. Human anatomy emphasizing body tissues, skeleton, joints, and all body systems and their functions. 221c focuses on cross-sectional anatomy.

222. Survey of Medical and Surgical Diseases
Spring. Credit, three hours.
Prerequisites: 220, 221a, 221b, and 221c. A synopsis intended to orient the technologist to the nature of a patient's disease. Two one-and-one-half hour lectures per week.

223a. Elements of Patient Care
Fall. Credit, two hours.
Concepts, principles, and techniques of patient care. This course focuses on care of the patient during a radiographic procedure.

223b. Elements of Patient Care
Fall. Credit, one hour.
Continuation of 223a.

224. Basic Radiation Biology
Spring. Credit, two hours.
Prerequisites: 203a, b, c, and 204. Study of organisms following absorption of energy from ionizing radiation, particularly damage which may be produced by this energy. Two one-hour lectures per week.

230. Quality Control
Spring. Credit, two hoiurs
Prerequisites: 203 and 238. Factors affecting quality of a radiograph. Emphasis on measurement of beam quality, control of automatic processor, and film-cassette evaluation. One lecture and a one-hour laboratory per week.

231a, b. Principles of Radiographic Technique
Spring, summer. Credit, three hours each.
Technical factors regulating correct density, definition, and contrast. Students prepare technique charts with variations necessary for producing diagnostic radiographs. Two one-and-one-half-hour lectures per week.

234. Film Critique
Spring. Credit, one hour.
Prerequisites: 231 and 236. Characteristics of a good radiograph. Use of diagnostic X-ray department's teaching file. One-hour lecture per week.

235. Pediatric Radiography
Spring. Credit, one hour.
Safety in handling and radiographing the young patient. Six one-and-one-half-hour lectures plus laboratory.

236 a, b, c. Radiologic Procedures
Spring, summer, fall. Credit, eight hours total.
Prerequisite: 221a.
Lecture/laboratory course covering routine procedures used in diagnostic radiology.

238. Radiographic Processing Technique
Fall. Credit, two hours.
Current trends in automatic processing, including routine and preventive maintenance. Film characteristics (contrast, speed, latitude, resolution) and evaluation tests which provide working knowledge of film handling. Two one-hour lectures per week.

239. Imaging Equipment
Fall. Credit, two hours.
Prerequisites: 203, 231a, and b. Differentiation between different modes of imaging systems; principles of new types of image detectors; video recorders; tubes; thermography; xeroradiography; computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. Two one-hour lectures per week.

240. Computer Application in Radiologic Technology
Summer. Credit, one hour.
Introduction to uses of the computer. Exploratory seminars and hands-on experience.

245. Evaluation and Measurement
Summer. Credit, four hours.
Prerequisites: all required courses above. Cognitive competencies must be mastered prior to this course. Various methods of evaluation and a standardized format of measurement of comprehension.

248 a, b, c. Clinical Clerkship
Each semester. Credit, five hours each
Prerequisites: 248a prior to 248b prior to 248c.

249 a, b, c. Clinical Internship
Each semester. Credit, six hours each. Prerequisites: 249a prior to 249b prior to 249c.

296R. Independent Study
Summer. Credit, four hours.
Prerequisites are all prior courses. Individualized study, designed with the student's help, to complement 245. Direction and supervision by student-selected faculty.

297r. Directed Study
Spring. Variable credit.
Student completes a proposal for a project on a topic in radiologic technology.

ELECTIVE SPECIALIZATION COURSES

Admission Requirements

  1. Students currently enrolled in the Emory University radiologic technology program, with permission of the program director.

  2. Graduates from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology-approved programs of radiologic technology.

  3. Registered technologists certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. (Board-eligible candidates may be considered.)

  4. Approval of application for admission by the admission committee.

Radiologic Technology

261r. Specialization in Cardiovascular Technology
Each semester. 7 hrs.
Diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures, methodology and instrumentation, and new procedures that expand the therapeutic role of the angiographer. Individualized lectures, clinical supervision, and evaluations.

262r. Specialization in Computerized Tomography Technology
Each semester. 7 hrs.
Equipment and methodology, reconstructed image parameters, examination protocols, patient positioning, slice thickness and locations, and quality assurance are stressed by lecture and practical application.

263r. Specialization in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology
Each semester. 7 hrs.
The MRI Learning Center, using video and computerized instruction, will provide instrumentation and information to improve the students' proficiency. Individualized supervision and evaluation of clinical skills.

264r. Specialization in Neuro and General Vascular Technology
Each semester. 7 hrs.
More than 50 procedures, including patient preparation, supplies, equipment, films, and position, will be mastered by direct participation, supervision, and evaluation.

BACHELOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCE DEGREE IN MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY

Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied for admission:

  1. Associate in science degree or associate in medical science degree in a medical imaging technology discipline. For admission to full standing in the program, applicant must have completed courses comparable to all courses in the associate in medical science program in radiologic technology offered at Emory.

  2. Certification as a registered technologist by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, or Diagnostic Medical Sonography Board.

  3. All applicants must have maintained a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate work completed.

  4. Approval of application for admission by the admissions committee.

Degree Requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied to earn the B.M.Sc. degree:

  1. A minimum residency of three semesters. Work taken in Emory College may be transferred to this program upon recommendation of the admissions committee.

  2. Satisfactory completion of twenty-four semester hours (thirty quarter hours) of undergraduate courses distributed as follows:

    A. Eight semester hours (ten quarter hours) in humanities (such as English, foreign languages, philosophy).

    B. Eight semester hours (ten quarter hours) in social sciences, with one course required in psychology (either introductory, developmental, or abnormal).

    C. Eight semester hours (ten quarter hours) in natural sciences (such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics).

  3. All courses taken to satisfy the requirements set forth in (2) above must be taken at an accredited institution. Graduates of foreign institutions must present transcripts of at least one full academic year (preferably in the sciences and in English) from an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.

  4. Satisfactory completion of forty-six semester hours of required courses.

  5. Satisfactory completion of one-hundred-twenty-eight semester hours of undergraduate credit.

Elective Courses

Math 119. Mathematics with Business Applications
Each semester. Credit, four hours.

CS 102. Introduction to Computing
Each semester. Credit, two hours.

Econ 101. Principles of Microeconomics
Each semester. Credit, four hours.

Econ 112. Principles of Macroeconomics
Each semester. Credit, four hours.

Bus 210. Financial Accounting
Each semester. Credit, four hours.

Radt 261r. Specialization in Cardiovascular Technology
Each semester. Credit, seven hours.

Radt 263r. Specialization in MRI Technology
Each semester. Credit, seven hours.

Radt 264r. Neuro and General Vascular Technology
Each semester. Credit, seven hours

Radt 320. Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Each semester. Credit, one hour.

Required Courses

Educational Studies

201. American Education
Each semester. Credit, four hours.

301. Educational Psychology
Fall. Credit, four hours.

303. Instructional Theory
Spring. Credit, four hours.

453. Introductory Statistics
Spring and summer. Credit, four hours.

Medical Imaging Technology

321. Physics of Radiology
Fall. Credit, two hours.
Basic diagnostic radiological and radioisotope principles; nuclear and atomic structure; radioactivity; production of X-rays; nature and detection of radiation; interaction of radiation with matter; absorption; shielding dosimetry; radiation protection. Fundamentals of physics of radiology also required of all first-year radiology residents. Two two-hour lectures held twice a week.

451. Methods and Materials of Teaching Medical Imaging Technology
Each semester. Credit, foiur hours..
Objectives, content, and grade placement of subject; tools of instruction; organization of courses; and supervised implementation of these applications. Introduction to effective preparation and utilization of selected multimedia materials. Laboratory in operation of audiovisual equipment, with emphasis on presentation and organization of educational materials. Parallels first didactic practice teaching semester.

465. Practice Teaching (Didactic)
Each semester. Variable credit.
Prepares the student to give instruction in basic didactic material.

466r. Practice Teaching (Clinical)
Each semester. Variable credit.
Prepares the student to give instruction in clinical radiologic technology.

497r. Directed Study
Each semester. 4 hrs.
Student designs a medical imaging technology program using the Program Self-Study Guide to the Organization and Accreditation of Radiography Programs prepared by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or comparable guides for other imaging disciplines. Emphasis is on determining the strengths and weaknesses of the student's program.

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